Staten Island Republican urges Netflix to bring back DVD service

A Staten Island Republican recently penned a letter to Netflix’s CEO, urging the company to consider bringing back its DVD-by-mail service, which was discontinued in 2023. In his message, New York City GOP councilman Frank Morano highlighted the importance of DVDs for seniors, technophobes, and film enthusiasts who appreciate physical media. For many people, those iconic red envelopes weren’t just discs – they were lifelines to cinema.

While recognizing the convenience of streaming services, Morano argued that DVDs provided a vital connection to the world of film for those with limited internet access or a love for collecting movies. He emphasized that the service allowed virtually any household with a mailing address to participate in the cinematic conversation, making it a democratic and inclusive form of entertainment distribution.

Netflix decided to end its DVD-by-mail service after 25 years in April 2023, citing the challenges of maintaining the service amid shifting business priorities. However, Morano proposed that Netflix could potentially reintroduce a more streamlined version of the service to better serve the communities that still rely on physical media.

The legacy of the DVD service dates back to 1997 when Netflix’s co-founders, Marc Randolph and Reed Hastings, tested the idea of mailing a disc through the U.S. Postal Service. This experiment eventually led to the launch of the DVD-by-mail rental website in 1998, which quickly gained popularity and paved the way for the streaming era we know today.

Despite the evolution of technology, the DVD service remains a cherished part of entertainment history, having shipped over five billion discs across the U.S. during its operation. While Netflix has moved away from this model, its impact on the world of film and television continues to be felt.

As we reflect on the changing landscape of entertainment consumption, it’s important to acknowledge the role that physical media has played in shaping our viewing habits. The debate over streaming versus DVDs reflects a larger conversation about how technology has transformed the way we engage with content. While the future of entertainment may be digital, the memories of those little red envelopes will always hold a special place in the hearts of movie lovers everywhere.